Dr. Roach: Clearing up C-reactive protein numbers

Dear Dr. Roach: I am a healthy 57-year-old woman, relatively fit and active. Ten years ago, during a routine wellness exam, my bloodwork indicated an elevated CRP of 10. In the next decade, it has gradually increased and seems to dance around 15 or 16, though it has been as high as 26.

Concerned about the numbers, my primary care doctor referred me to a rheumatologist, who diagnosed me with mild spondyloarthropy and sacroiliitis. He wanted to put me on a disease-modifying drug, but when I read about the side effects, I would say I have basic age-appropriate pain/stiffness that is managed with regular exercise and an occasional Aleve for flare-ups, so I decided not to try any other drugs to bring down the lab number. When I said to the doc, “But I don’t have a disease,” his response was, , but you will.” I also passed a stress test with flying colors, so I don’t think it is a cardiac issue.

My primary doctor and rheumatologist have both told me it is truly just a mystery and that I can wait until something manifests (unless I want to go on the heavy-duty disease-modifying drug recommended by the rheumatologist).

At one time, my primary doctor recommended a low-dose statin (my cholesterol is normal range), but the CRP increased after six months, so I stopped that. — S.S.